Objective The aims were to compare the soil erosion resistance of different herbaceous plant plots, and to clarify the potential of anti-erodible plants to control the development of black soil ephemeral gully.

Method The research focused on the surface soil planted with bromus inermis, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass and their combinations (with bare soil as a control). Determination and analysis were carried out based on physical and chemical properties of soil, aggregate characteristics, soil infiltrability, soil anti-erodibility and soil anti-scouribility. The comprehensive effects of the four herbaceous plants (including combinations) on soil erosion resistance were explored using the variance decision-making method.

Result Planting herbaceous plants significantly enhanced soil erosion resistance, with varying degrees of improvement among different plants. Specifically: The total soil porosity and organic matter of tall fescue were significantly higher than other treatments, with 1.08 and 1.22 times of bare soil. The combination of bromus inermis-tall fescue-perennial ryegrass showed the most significant increase in large aggregate content and mean weight diameter, with water stability index of aggregates in bromus inermis, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the combination being 1.1, 1.2, 1.7 and 2.6 times that of bare soil, respectively. Although the soil infiltration rate did not significantly increase and soil detachment capacity did not significantly decrease after seasonal freezing and thawing, the comprehensive soil erosion resistance of herbaceous plants was significantly enhanced. The combination of bromus inermis-tall fescue-perennial ryegrass exhibited the greatest enhancement (37.45%).

Conclusion Planting herbaceous plants can enhance soil aggregate stability, maintain soil infiltration performance, and improve black soil erosion resistance. Additionally, the combination of plants is more effective than individual species (combination > tall fescue> perennial ryegrass > bromus inermis > bare soil). These findings can serve as a reference for the selection of plant species in the prevention and restoration of ephemeral gullies in black soil.